Dangerous Ballot Measure Threatens Care for Millions of Vulnerable Patients
A reckless statewide ballot proposition would threaten millions of California patients who rely on community health centers and clinics for their care. It would divert billions of dollars away from patient care into new state bureaucracy, forcing health centers and clinics to drastically reduce patient services and even close. Here’s why a broad coalition of patients, health care providers, community leaders, and others oppose this dangerous measure:
A DANGEROUS ATTACK ON PATIENTS
- Research from health care economists at the Berkeley Research Group (BRG) found this measure would divert $1.7 billion from community health centers and clinics at a time when clinics are already facing difficult financial challenges and federal and state funding cuts.
- In fact, according to BRG, if this measure passes, two-thirds of all health centers and clinics in the state will be pushed into operating in the red. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst warns “clinics might close” because of this measure.
- This dangerous measure will force clinics to shut down and result in deep cuts to patient services—hurting millions of patients who rely on community health centers and clinics for their care.
HURTS CALIFORNIA’S MOST VULNERABLE
- Community health centers and clinics provide essential care for millions, including primary care, prenatal care, urgent care, mental and behavioral health services, telehealth, and dental services.
- They serve the uninsured, 1 in 4 Medi-Cal patients, immigrants, working families, seniors, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals—regardless of ability to pay.
- This measure would harm disadvantaged patients already facing barriers to care.
ARBITRARY EXEMPTIONS THREATEN VITAL SERVICES
- This measure excludes funding for vital services that are essential to serving patients like nurse and physician managers, translation services, health care coverage enrollment navigators, patient transportation, and community outreach and education.
- The measure even excludes funding to build new clinics—preventing community health centers from expanding access to care in communities most in need.
- These arbitrary exemptions make no sense and will result in cuts to critical patient services.
INCREASE ER OVERCROWDING AND HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR ALL
- In many rural and underserved areas, community health centers and clinics are often the only source of care.
- Clinic closures and a reduction in available services will lead patients to skip vital preventive care, increase emergency room visits, and worsen overcrowding and wait times for all patients.
- According to the state’s former independent Legislative Analyst, the proposition will increase health care costs in the state by more than $1 billion, primarily because displaced patients will be forced to receive care in more costly settings like hospitals and emergency rooms.
UNNECESSARY
- Community health centers and clinics are heavily regulated by the federal and state governments, with strict reporting requirements and audits.
- They are not-for-profit organizations—focusing resources on patient care and community benefits, not profits or shareholders.
- And a majority of the board of directors must be patients of that facility, ensuring decisions reflect patient and community needs.
PUTS POLITICS ABOVE PATIENTS
- This measure is a shameful power play by politically powerful union executives—weaponizing the ballot measure process to force their demands.
- Patients should never be used as pawns. Pushing a dangerous ballot measure that will shut down community health centers and harm millions of patients is wrong.